On October 27th, 2010, it was reported that Daniel Jezek, the founder of Bricklink.com, had tragically passed away at the age of 33. The release from Bricklink.com is as follows:

Daniel Jezek1977 - 2010

We regret to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan Jezek, owner and founder of BrickLink.com. Dan will be greatly missed by all of his family and many friends at Bricklink and around the world. A memorial fund is being set up and will be announced at a later date. If you wish to send condolences, you may do so via e-mail to condolences (at) bricklink.com.

The website will continue under the ownership of the Jezek family. Eric Smith, owner of Northstar Computer Systems, will act as BrickLink Administrator. Northstar has been the host for BrickLink for the past decade. The current BrickLink moderators for the various aspects of the site are all continuing in their roles. Troy Ceferatti is resuming his role as Community Overseer.

The site will continue operating without interruption and all Bricklink users – buyers and sellers – can be reassured that the policies and fee structures will remain as before. Please remember Dan in your thoughts and prayers.

His eulogy may be read in the following link: http://www.bricklink.com/danjezek/

Dan's pioneering work in the LEGO community has had an enormous impact on us all. One of the largest and most resourceful LEGO databases on the Internet, Bricklink.com has served as an excellent venue and source for buying LEGO pieces. His unwavering love and dedication to the LEGO hobby shall forever be remembered by the community.

Brothers BrickEurobricks

Very sad news, especially about someone so young. Think of the impact that has been made on you by being able to get something that previously would have cost a ton to get by buying a set. I remember my first purchase when it was called Brick Bay and how excited I was to be able to buy a 5 cockpit canopies for under $1 a piece instead of 5 sets at $30 a piece. The world was a better place with him in it. I will keep his family in my prayers.

I remember the Brick Bay days as well and the legal mess from eBay that forced him to change the name to BrickLink. I would have never found threaded technic axles nor the threaded hubs without him! I have sold plenty on his site and it always seemed much better than eBay not only for the lower selling fees but for reaching a target market as well! What he provided to the lego community was amazing and I think was largely due to his success that LEGO eventually got off their backside and started pick-a-brick in stores and online. The prices on BL beat pick-a-brick everytime and the selection is much better.